Decorative Play Sheet

ABSTRACT

A child&#39;s play sheet is presented. The sheet is configured for draping from a table top to a ground surface. The sheet has an upper panel having a perimeter and an elongated side panel having proximal, mid-portion, and distal ends. A proximal end of the elongated side panel is secured to the perimeter of the upper panel, thereby forming a unified sheet. The unified sheet may comprise aesthetic designs on the inner and outer surfaces of the sheet. The outer surfaces comprise designs representative of the exterior of a house, whereas the interior surfaces of the sheet comprise designs depicting the interior of a house. The side panels may comprise slits and cutouts that are configured to represent the opening of a window or door, thereby enabling a child to simulate the opening and closing of a door by walking through the slit of the side panel.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/723,150 filed on Nov. 6, 2012, entitled “Child Entertainment Toy”.The above identified patent application is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a sheet. More specifically theinvention relates to a child's play sheet comprising a variety ofaesthetic designs configured to represent the interior and exterior of ahouse. Moreover, the sheet comprises slits and cutouts representative ofwindows and doors.

Forts and playhouses are a part of most children's childhoods. A childmay create their playhouse by utilizing household objects. Bed sheets,pillows, couch cushions, and chairs may be used to form the frame oftheir constructed house. While the child may build a very creative andenjoyable play area, there are several downsides to their building of afort or playhouse.

A parent may not appreciate the use of household objects to build ahouse because sheets, pillows, and couch cushions are items that arefrequently used in a house. These items may easily become lost ordamaged by children when they are used playfully. The parent may provideunused sheets and other bedding components for use by the child,however, the child may not readily recognize which items are suitablefor playing from those that are not.

What is needed is a compact and easily transportable device that iscapable of replacing the pillows, cushions, and sheets that arenecessary for a child to build a play area. Most people must monitoreach of the items that a child uses to build their play area, howeverthis is not always a viable option. There are, however, devicesavailable on the market that are configured for replacing the householdobjects used to create a playhouse or fort. These devices typicallycomprise solid panels having decorative exterior designs that resemble ahouse or fort. The downside of these prior art devices is that the soliddesign of the panels may lead to clutter around the house if there isnot a proper placement for it when not in use. Moreover, the design maybe too complex for a child to construct without assistance.

The present invention provides a sheet that is adapted for use by achild in creating a playhouse. The sheet comprises an upper panel thatis configured for placement over a tabletop surface, wherein side panelsextends therefrom to drape along the sides of the tabletop. The interiorand exterior surfaces of the sheet comprise aesthetic designs and imagesthat depict the interior and exterior designs of a house or fortstructure. The side panels also comprise cutouts that are depicted aswindows and one or more slits that are configured to simulate theopening of a doorway. The sheet of the present invention is comprised ofa lightweight material that is capable of being folded and stored awaywhen not in use. This structure enables a child to install the playsheet on a supporting table without the assistance of an adult, andfurther allowing for rapid clean up after the child has finished playingwith the play sheet.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to children'splay houses. These include devices that have been patented and publishedin patent application publications. These devices generally relate toboxes with designs configured to entertain a child. The following is alist of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, whichare herein described for the purposes of highlighting anddifferentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and furtherhighlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art.

One such prior art device, U.S. Pat. No. 4,122,635 to Rylander providesa child's playhouse. The playhouse is configured to be foldable into acompact storage position when not in use. Moreover, the playhouse may bereadily expandable for use by a child. The device may be permanentlyfastened onto a wall and may be folded out therefrom when ready for useby a child. While the prior art device may provide a playhouse that issimilar in nature and relative to the present invention, it fails toprovide a decorative and foldable sheet that is configured for drapingover a table, thereby enabling quick installment and storage when not inuse.

Another prior art device, U.S. Pat. No. 6,108,982 to Davison provides afolding play structure that includes wall members that are integrallyconnected to each other. The play house may be folded downward andstored until reformed for later use. The play house structure mayfurther comprise windows and doors. Although the prior art of Davisoncomprises windows and doors similar to the present invention, it differsin that it fails to provide a decorative sheet that may be easily set upand removed by a child.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,407 to Busch provides a blanket with a permeablewindow, whereby the window may further be transparent. A periphery ofthe transparent window may be securely attached to the blanket by atleast one fastener, thereby enabling a user see through the blanket. Thedevice of Busch, however, is configured for medical use, whereas thepresent invention is configured as a child's play device. Moreover, theblanket lacks the slits of the present invention and further lackswindow cutouts and decorative designs.

Another prior art device, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2002/0111106 toBollman provides a decorative box configured for use by a child. The boxmay have preprinted graphics that may be associated with a play activityof a child, thereby encouraging reuse of the box. The box may comprisedesigns of mazes, puzzles, word searches, color in pictures, board gamelayouts, and fill in the blank games. Although the prior art of Bollmanis similar in nature and relevant to the present invention, it fails toprovide a sheet material comprising designs resembling a playhouse thatis adapted for use by a child.

Finally, U.S. Design Pat. No. D544,926 to Kassens provides a design foran indoor playhouse for use by children. The design provides anaesthetically appealing indoor playhouse that is configured forattachment to a corner wall of a home or classroom. The prior artdesign, however, is configured for fastening onto a wall, whereas thepresent invention is configured for draping over the top of a table,thereby enabling easy installment, removal, and transportability.

The present invention provides an aesthetically pleasing, decorativesheet that is configured for draping over a supporting structure, suchas a table and chairs. The sheet comprises an upper panel configured forplacement on a table top and side panels that extend downward from theupper panel. The side panels comprise a proximal section that is securedto the upper panel, a mid-portion, and a distal end configured forplacement and suspension just above a ground surface to form an enclosedarea between the side panels and the upper panel. The interior andexterior surfaces of the upper panel and side panels comprise aplurality of aesthetic designs and illustrations that resemble theexterior and interior of a dwelling house or similar structure.Moreover, the mid-portion and distal ends of the side panel may comprisea slits and cutouts that represent openings in the side of the house orfort. The slits simulate the opening of a door that a child may walkthrough to enter or exit the sheet interior. These slits may overlap orborder a section of a door design, thereby providing a realistic dooropening for a child. The cutouts within the mid-portion of the sidepanel may be utilized to represent window openings. The cutouts mayoverlap the designs of the window in order to provide an enhancedcreative experience for the child.

It is submitted that the present invention is substantially divergent indesign elements from the prior art and consequently it is clear thatthere is a need in the art for an improvement child printedentertainment devices. In this regard the instant inventionsubstantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types ofchildren's printed entertainment devices now present in the prior art,the present invention provides a new device wherein the same can beutilized for providing convenience for the user when a sheet that may beused as a child's play fort is desired.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved children's fort that has all of the advantages of the prior artand none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a sheet havingan upper panel and an elongated side panel.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a sheet havingindicia and surface designs thereon that are representative of theexterior or interior of a house or fort structure.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a sheet havingside panels extending therefrom that comprise slits and cutouts that arerepresentative of windows and doors.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will beparticularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and mannerin which it may be made and used may be better understood after a reviewof the following description, taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 illustrates the association between a table top and the sheet ofthe present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates the association between a collection of chairs andthe sheet of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a view of the sheet of the present invention, wherebysheet comprises cutouts.

FIG. 4 illustrates a view of the sheet of the present invention, wherebya side portion cut-out is shown forming an entryway door.

FIG. 5 illustrates a view of the designs of the internal surface of thesheet.

FIG. 6 illustrates a view of the sheet in a folded, compact form.

FIG. 7 illustrates a view of alternative aesthetic designs on theexterior surface of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates further aesthetic designs on the exterior surface ofthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like referencenumerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similarelements of the decorative sheet. For the purposes of presenting a briefand clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodimentwill be discussed as used for an entertaining a child who desires tohave their own playhouse or fort. The figures are intended forrepresentative purposes only and should not be considered to be limitingin any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a view of the decorative sheet10 of the present invention. The decorative sheet is configured forplacement over a support structure 70, such as a tabletop or collectionof chairs. The decorative sheet comprises an upper panel surface 15 anda plurality of elongated side panels 20 having a proximal end 21,mid-portion 22, and a distal end 23.

The proximal end 21 of the side panel 20 is secured along the perimeteredges 16 of the upper panel 15. The upper panel 15 is configured to besized for placement over the top of a table 70 or similar supportstructure. The elongated side panels 20 are configured to extend fromthe upper panel 15 to a ground surface. The elongated side panels 20 areremovably secured to an adjacent side panel in order to form a completeenclosure around the table top 70. The side panels 20 are separated 25from an adjacent side panel 20 in order to enable folding of the sheet10. The side panels 20 may be fastened 25 together to an adjacent sidepanel 20 by a fastener 30. Suitable fasteners include that of snaps,buttons, ties, hook and loop fasteners, or other suitable fasteners inthe art. FIG. 2 displays the present invention in use over a collectionof chairs. The use of the decorative sheet 10 over a collection ofchairs enables viewing of the underside of the upper panel, therebyproviding an increased aesthetic value for a child.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown of the sheet of the presentinvention. The elongated side panels 20 comprise proximal 21,mid-portion 22, and distal 23 ends. The exterior of the elongated sidepanel 20 may comprise designs 55 thereon that are representative of theexterior of a house, barn, fort, or other exterior building designs. Thedesigns can further include grass, flowers, animals, insects, housesiding, doors, and windows. The mid-portion 22 of the side panel 20 mycomprise cutouts 50 within the window designs 40. The window cutouts 50are adapted to mimic traditional windows in that they enable visibilityto the exterior of the device, and provide access to the exterior of thesheet. The sheet 10 may also include attachments 60 removably securedonto the exterior of the sheet 10. For example, the side panels 20 ofthe sheet may comprise curtains 60 attached to the child's play sheet,thereby increasing the aesthetic designs of the sheet.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a perspective view of the of thepresent invention, whereby the view depicts a typical doorway 35 throughthe side panels formed of a slit 45 therealong. The given side panel 20may comprise designs 55 similar to the other sheet side panels, wherebythe designs may comprise windows, doors, and various animals andvegetation. The windows of the sheet 10 comprise a plurality of cutoutsto provide a more realistic look for a child. However the doors 35comprise an elongated slit 45 that begins from a mid-portion 22 of theelongated side panel 20 to a distal portion 23 of the side panel. Theslit 45 is configured to mimic and provide an opening into the child'splay sheet 10. The doorway 35 may comprise a straight or curved slit 45,thereby providing for differently shaped doorways. Moreover, the doordesign may comprise viewing windows 50 that further enhance theaesthetic value and enjoyment of the decorative sheet.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a view of the designs of theinternal surface of the sheet. The interior designs 55 arerepresentative of a dwelling or fort interior. Examples of interiordesigns can include that of beds, stoves, couches, televisions, pots,tables, or other suitable devices found in a household. The designs mayfurther include features of more fantastical environments, such as theinterior of forts, castles, or the like. The designs are indicia printedon the elongated side panels 20 and on the upper panel 15 of the sheet10. The interior designs 55 provide for an interior dwelling for thechild that corresponds to the exterior designs of the sheet, therebyproviding a realistic experience for the child.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a view of the decorative sheetfolded into a compact form. After use, the decorative sheet 10 may beremoved from the supporting device 70, which may include a table,chairs, or other supporting structures. The separation of the sidepanels enables the sheet 10 to easily fold into a compact form afteruse. The folded decorative sheet may then be stored away or transportedfor use at a different time or place.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, there are shown alternative aestheticdesigns on the exterior surface of the decorative sheet. The mid-portion22 of the elongate side panels 20 of the decorative sheet 10 maycomprise cutouts 50 and slits 45 to enhance the appearance of the sheet.The cutouts 50 may be located within a window design 40, whereas theslits 45 may be positioned within the perimeter of a doorway design 35.The cutouts 50 and slits 45 enable a child to enter, exit, and/or seeout of their play area. A variety of decorative designs 55 may also beprovided on the sheet 10. The designs 55 may comprise a variety ofindicia or images printed thereon, such as trim, grass, flowers,animals, brick or other building materials, signs, and any other desiredbuilding features.

Moreover, the decorative sheet 10 may be made in a variety of shapes tofit square, rectangular, round and other style tables. It is furthercontemplated that the dimensions of the upper and side panels may beoffered in sizes to offer a proper fit on different sized supportingstructures. The decorative sheet can also come in a variety of colorsand styles and can be made to resemble any type of building or structuredesired.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown anddescribed in what is considered to be the most practical and preferredembodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be madewithin the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications willoccur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the abovedescription then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensionalrelationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations insize, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assemblyand use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in theart, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in thedrawings and described in the specification are intended to beencompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of theprinciples of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications andchanges will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of theinvention.

I claim: 1) A child's play sheet that is configured for draping from asupport and drape to a ground surface, comprising: a sheet comprising anupper panel having perimeter sides; a plurality of side panels having anupper edge, a mid-portion, and a lower edge; said upper edges of eachside panel being connected to one of said upper panel perimeter sides;said upper panel and said side panels comprising an outer and innersurface; said outer surface of said side panels comprising indiciarepresentative of a building exterior, and said inner surface of saidside panels comprising indicia representative of a building interior; atleast one cutout disposed along at least one of said side panels; and atleast one slit disposed along at least one of said side panels. 2) Thechild's play sheet of claim 1, whereby said cutout is adapted torepresent a window and is disposed within said mid-portion of at leastone of said side panels. 3) The child's play sheet of claim 1, wherebysaid slit is adapted to represent a doorway through of at least one ofsaid side panels and extends between said distal and said mid-portionssaid side panel. 4) The child's play sheet of claim 1, whereby saidsheet is adapted to fold in to a compact form. 5) The child's play sheetof claim 1, whereby said outer sheet surface indicia may be of one ormore of trim, grass, flowers, animals, insects, bricks, windows, doors,or written words. 6) The child's play sheet of claim 1, wherein saidside panels are removably fastened to adjacent side panels.